Bonnaroo's bag rules only apply in Centeroo and the main venue, where the music is. In the campgrounds you can bring most kinds of bags. Here's the official policy in plain English, plus what we'd pack so you clear security fast.
The Bonnaroo bag policy (Centeroo)
- Small clutches and fanny packs 6" x 9" or smaller don't need to be clear, but can have only one pocket.
- Any other bag must be clear and smaller than 12" x 6" x 12".
- Hydration packs are allowed and don't need to be clear, but must be emptied of all liquid and have no more than two main compartments and one smaller compartment.
- Every bag is searched at entry. Bonnaroo says the fastest entry is with no bag at all.
Allowed in Centeroo (highlights)
- Empty reusable water bottles and hydration packs, plus plastic or aluminum water bottles
- Portable battery packs
- Non-aerosol sunscreen, 3.4 oz or less, and personal hand sanitizer, 3.4 oz or less
- Personal misting fans with a bottle up to 1.5 L, empty at entry
- Blankets, sheets and towels
- Basic point-and-shoot cameras without detachable lenses
- Factory-sealed single-serve electrolyte packets
- Totems under 7 ft tall and under 1 inch in diameter, made of light material
Not allowed in Centeroo (highlights)
- Any bag that breaks the policy above
- Aerosols, including aerosol sunscreen
- Coolers of any kind
- Chairs of any kind, hammocks and inflatables
- Tents, canopies and shade structures
- Umbrellas and selfie sticks
- Glass, outside food or drinks, and wagons or carts
Campgrounds have their own, looser list: for example a portable grill, a generator under 4kW (one per vehicle), and alcohol within the posted limits. Glass, kegs and wood fires are banned there.
What we'd carry in
- SoJourner clear 2L hydration pack: clear, so it also fits the clear-bag rule; arrive with the bladder empty and fill inside
- Anker 20K power bank (battery packs are allowed)
- SPF 50 sport sunscreen lotion: check the bottle is 3.4 oz or less
- Factory-sealed electrolyte packets
- Handheld misting fan (empty at the gate)
- Phone crossbody lanyard
- Loop Quiet earplugs
Building the whole camp? Start with our Bonnaroo camping packing list, our clear-bag festival guide, and if you're rolling in on wheels, Bonnaroo RV camping.
Source: Bonnaroo's official bag policy and allowed and prohibited items pages (last updated Feb 25, 2026), checked Nov 2, 2026. Bonnaroo says the list can change; confirm the 2027 version before you go.